Spiritual DiscernmentPrimjer

Discerning Between Spirit and Soul

You may have read this devotional largely from the mindset of discerning what is happening in the spirit realm, in the world, or in certain environments and situations. This is all relevant, but we must not overlook the personal application for ourselves as believers.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

Father created us with a spirit, a soul (mind, will, and emotions) and a body. The living Word and the Holy Spirit empower us to walk in the Spirit and to recognize when we are following God’s will and intention or defaulting to our own desires. It should be relatively easy to distinguish between major areas of right and wrong, but discerning whether our daily lives are being directed by spirit or soul is another matter altogether!

Discerning between spirit and soul prompts us to look with spiritual eyes at our inner motivation and attitudes. Ask yourself these questions in key areas of your life: Is my motivation for myself or for God’s kingdom? When it comes to my daily choices, what is prompting my decisions and actions? When it comes to my words, am I speaking because the Lord has directed me to speak? Or am I speaking just to share my opinions, to please others, or to be validated? Am I not speaking in a certain situation because the Holy Spirit has prompted me to close my mouth, or am I not speaking because of insecurity? Discernment separates between the things of God and the things of self (e.g. self-will, self-pride, self-righteousness, self-reliance, and self-pity).

Let’s be clear—none of us are perfect! I know that for myself, particularly when it comes to thoughts, attitudes, or motivations, this can feel like a daily realignment. But we don’t become negatively introspective; we simply allow Holy Spirit to lead us on our journey.

It is important to look at this scripture in Hebrews from the right context. Firstly, this passage shows us that personal discernment doesn’t come from a place of striving, but from the perspective of rest. The more we rest in Him and abide with Him, the more easily the Holy Spirit can lead us in our day to day lives.

Secondly, we come from a place of confidence in Jesus, our great high priest, and knowing our wonderful heavenly Father. Through the precious blood of Christ, we have been given open access to the throne of God, so that we can receive His mercy and grace. God’s wisdom, His understanding, and His direction are all part of the daily bread that He gives us as we lean on Him.